Is Sun a Bad Thing?

[AlittleSalt]

I planted 7 varieties of tomato seed (32 plants) Monday, June 23, 2014. Today is 4 days later and I woke up this morning to find 18 plants an inch or so tall growing. Right now, the tray is sitting in dappled sun under an oak tree. In a couple hours - they will be in full sun.

Question: Is the new seedlings being in full sun a bad thing? The temperature is around 90F with 60%+ humidity. Should I move them to shade?

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by AlittleSalt

I planted 7 varieties of tomato seed (32 plants) Monday, June 23, 2014. Today is 4 days later and I woke up this morning to find 18 plants an inch or so tall growing. Right now, the tray is sitting in dappled sun under an oak tree. In a couple hours - they will be in full sun.

Question: Is the new seedlings being in full sun a bad thing? The temperature is around 90F with 60%+ humidity. Should I move them to shade?

So to clarify, you have 18 new growth seedlings which sprouted in the same place they are right now? If so, they will be naturally hardened, so you don't have to move them. Just make sure they are kept moist. The set up sounds quite good actually.

[AlittleSalt]

Thank you ginger2778.

You are right, I should have provided more info:

I was/am in hurry this and next week. July 1, is our 29th anniversary, and we always have an all-day party on July 4rth. So to get my tomato seeds started in time, I took a flat I got from the flower/vegetable stand (The kind that lets the water go through the bottom) and used the 32 two inch square cups that fit in the tray. Being that I was in a hurry, I used M G seed starting potting mix.

I put the tray in an open faced barn because it began raining hard for 3 days (6.5 inches). The seed packs read that it takes 7-10 days for the seeds to come up, so when I found plants this morning only 4 days later - wow!

I'll keep em moist and happy. Thanks again for your reply.

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by AlittleSalt

Thank you ginger2778.

You are right, I should have provided more info:

I was/am in hurry this and next week. July 1, is our 29th anniversary, and we always have an all-day party on July 4rth. So to get my tomato seeds started in time, I took a flat I got from the flower/vegetable stand (The kind that lets the water go through the bottom) and used the 32 two inch square cups that fit in the tray. Being that I was in a hurry, I used M G seed starting potting mix.

I put the tray in an open faced barn because it began raining hard for 3 days (6.5 inches). The seed packs read that it takes 7-10 days for the seeds to come up, so when I found plants this morning only 4 days later - wow!

I'll keep em moist and happy. Thanks again for your reply.

I have seen mine get a radicle after 2 days when I did a germination test. For us in the warmth, its kind of normal to see very quick sprouting. Those times on the packages are for people who are starting them in colder weather, using heat of some kind.
Now, if you are anything like me, my OCD kicks in and I check my new seedlings like 20 times a day!

[b54red]

There can be some real drawbacks to leaving them out like that is the chance of disease or heavy rain or even worms getting to them. I have had a disaster with my fall seedlings leaving them out too much this year. They got hit by very heavy rain and wind, followed by some disease issues then a couple of hornworms found them. It is amazing how fast they can destroy small seedlings. Last but not least I got some spider mites going on some of the plants.

I would recommend you bring them in if rain is forecast or if it gets too hot and windy and also give them a spray with Daconil.

Bill

[AlittleSalt]

OCD, hmm, let's see... I built a special holder for the flat to sit on, screwed the plastic tray down, and put handles on it so I could easily carry the flat without worry of it moving or falling. Then, a few hours ago, I put the flat of seedlings beside a full row of Marigolds while being semi-shaded by huge tomatillo plants. Oh and accuweather says no rain (Probably) and a 50% chance it might get dark at night. maybe

[peppero]

I am no expert on this subject but, I have noticed that volunteers seem to do well without our help. Just sayin.....

jon

[tnpeppers]

I get 'volunteers' every year, and they never need any help. They 'sleep' under several feet of snow during winter, pop up in May, and away they go. I just water and feed them. I had a black cherry 'volunteer' make it to the roof of my one-story dwelling.

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by AlittleSalt

OCD, hmm, let's see... I built a special holder for the flat to sit on, screwed the plastic tray down, and put handles on it so I could easily carry the flat without worry of it moving or falling. Then, a few hours ago, I put the flat of seedlings beside a full row of Marigolds while being semi-shaded by huge tomatillo plants. Oh and accuweather says no rain (Probably) and a 50% chance it might get dark at night. maybe

Nah, that's just taking good care of your future delicious, luscious harvest, which I have a clue may just be happening for you soon.